Metaphorical analysis of social worker candidates’ perceptions of homeless people

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the perceptions of social work undergraduate students about homeless people. In this qualitative research study, a phenomenological approach and metaphor analysis technique were used. The data were analysed by the metaphor analysis method, and categories and themes were formed. Metaphors were collected in seven categories: emotions, nature, animals, objects, street, disadvantaged groups and negative attitudes. While some of the metaphors emphasised the characteristics of individuals, others emphasised structural inequalities. Students liken homeless people to disadvantaged groups. This is followed by metaphors related to nature, negative attitudes and animals, respectively.